US20050012607A1 - Indicating instrument for vehicle - Google Patents
Indicating instrument for vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050012607A1 US20050012607A1 US10/885,643 US88564304A US2005012607A1 US 20050012607 A1 US20050012607 A1 US 20050012607A1 US 88564304 A US88564304 A US 88564304A US 2005012607 A1 US2005012607 A1 US 2005012607A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- circuit board
- printed circuit
- indicating instrument
- board
- dial plate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D7/00—Indicating measured values
- G01D7/12—Audible indication of meter readings, e.g. for the blind
-
- B60K35/60—
-
- B60K2360/42—
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an indicating instrument that is mounted on a vehicle and rotates a pointer according to measured values.
- the present invention is suitably applied to an automobile.
- an indicating instrument for vehicles includes a dial plate having a plurality of display portions; light sources for luminously displaying the dial plate; movements for extending their pointer shafts forward of the dial plate; control circuits for driving the movements so that the pointer shafts are rotated by angles according to individual measured values detected by external detectors or the like and also for controlling ON and OFF of the light sources; and a printed circuit board.
- the printed circuit board is disposed backward of the dial plate to constitute an electric circuit by accommodating the light sources, the movements, and the control circuits. For example, this is described in JP-2003-75206-A (U.S. 2003/0043048 A1).
- the respective light sources or movements are formed on the printed circuit board in correspondence to positions of the display portions, i.e., indicators that indicate existence/nonexistence of abnormality and operating states of parts of the vehicle; gauges for various instruments. Further, the control circuits are appropriately disposed in free spaces other than spaces for the light sources and the movements.
- the light sources include light emitting diodes (LEDs), while the movements include a cross-coil type actuator or a stepping motor.
- the movement is driven by applying voltage in pulse to it.
- the LEDs are controlled in their lighting by applying the voltage in pulse to them. This varies a duty of ON/OFF, enabling easy control of lighting intensity.
- a control circuit generates the voltage in pulse, so that so-called electrical noise is radiated and potentially adversely affects other electric devices mounted on the vehicle, e.g., a radio receiver, a phone.
- the electrical noise level from the printed circuit board varies depending on wiring patterns thereof, i.e., positions of the LEDs, movements, and control circuits. Therefore, the positions of the LEDs, movements, and control circuits are adjusted so that the radiated noise can be decreased to a harmless level.
- the work cycle includes circuit designing, prototype manufacturing, evaluating, design improving, etc., which entails a lot of man power.
- an indicating instrument for a vehicle includes as follows: dial panel having a display portion; a light source that luminously displays the dial panel; a movement that is for driving a pointer and including a shaft for the pointer that extends forward of the dial panel; and a control circuit that is for controlling driving of the movement and putting on and off of the light source. Further, it includes a design board where the movement and the light source is mounted; and a control board where the control circuit is mounted.
- the design board and the control board are constructed separately from each other.
- electrical noise on a printed circuit board is generated mainly by a control circuit, while a movement and a light source generate much less electrical noise. Further, layouts of the movement and light source are changed according to a design change of a dial plate due to a model change of a vehicle, while an electrical circuit structure or control specifications within a control circuit are maintained constant regardless of the layouts of the movement and light source on the printed circuit.
- the printed circuit board is divided into two boards: a design board where the movement and light source are mounted; and a control board where the control circuit is mounted.
- a design board where the movement and light source are mounted
- a control board where the control circuit is mounted.
- man power for decreasing the arising electrical noise can be eliminated.
- the effective countermeasure for the electrical noise can be adopted without considering the layouts of the movement and light source. This enables the electrical noise radiated from the control board to be securely decreased.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a combination meter according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken from a line II to II in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken from a line III to III in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a combination meter according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 5A is a view of a state prior to separation in a procedure for separating a first and second connectors according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 5B is a view of a state posterior to separation in a procedure for separating a first and second connectors according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining a structure of an electrical circuit of a combination meter according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a combination meter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of a combination meter according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of a combination meter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- An indicating instrument for a vehicle according to the present invention is directed to a combination meter for an automobile.
- a combination meter 1 displays various information relating to a relevant vehicle and is disposed in such a manner that a driver seated in the front driver seat can see the combination meter 1 .
- the combination meter 1 primarily includes, in its dial plate 2 , indicating instruments of a speedometer A, tachometer B, and fuel meter C; and display portions of a fog lamp indicator 23 , voltage indicator 24 , and oil pressure indicator 25 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- “front” or “forward” of the combination meter 1 is the side, surface, space, etc. of the combination meter 1 that faces the driver seat, while “back” or “backward” of the combination meter 1 is the side, surface, space, etc. of the combination meter 1 that is opposite to the “front” or “forward.”
- the dial plate 2 is formed of a thin plate made of transparent polycarbonate resin etc.
- scales, characters, and various indicators are formed, as shown in FIG. 1 , i.e., the scales 21 a and characters 22 a constituting the speedometer A for displaying a traveling speed of the relevant vehicle; the scales 21 b and characters 22 b constituting the tachometer B for displaying an engine rotation number of the relevant vehicle; the scales 21 c and characters 22 c constituting the fuel meter C for displaying a remaining fuel amount of the relevant vehicle; the fog lamp indicator 23 for indicating a lighting state of the fog lamp; the voltage indicator 24 for indicating a voltage decrease to less than a given level in a battery 48 ; the oil pressure indicator 25 for indicating an amount decrease to less than a given level in a lubricating oil.
- the scales 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, characters 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, indicators 23 , 24 , 25 are formed by applying a hot stamp, a print, etc. to either of the front surface 2 a (upper portion in FIG. 2 ) or back surface 2 b (lower portion in FIG. 2 ) of the dial plate 2 .
- a colored layer having opacity is formed on surface areas other than the scales 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, characters 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, indicators 23 , 24 , 25 of the dial plate 2 , while the scales 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, characters 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, indicators 23 , 24 , 25 are kept transparent without being colored. Otherwise, a translucent colored layer is applied to them.
- the dial plate 2 has penetrating holes 2 c in the approximately longitudinally centered horizontal line as shown in FIG. 2 .
- penetrating holes 2 c Through the penetrating holes 2 c, shafts 51 a, 51 b, 51 c of pointer shafts of the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c that are disposed backward (lower portion in FIG. 2 ) of the dial plate 2 extend forward (upper portion in FIG. 2 ) of the dial plate 2 .
- a light conducting plate 3 is disposed to be appressed to the dial plate 2 for conducting light emitted from the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c of light sources to thereby display the scales 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, and characters 22 a, 22 b, 22 c by transmitted illumination.
- the conducting plate 3 is formed of transparent polycarbonate resin etc.
- a flexible printed circuit board 4 of a design board is disposed.
- the flexible printed circuit board 4 constitutes a electrical circuit portion of the combination meter 1 and is formed by attaching an conductive material on a flexible electrically insulating material to thereby form a given wiring pattern.
- the conductive material includes copper foil, while the flexible electrically insulating material includes a sheet-shaped resin.
- the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 63 , 64 , 65 of the light sources are mounted for luminously displaying the display portions, as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the scales 21 a and characters 22 a are backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by the LEDs 61 a;
- the scales 21 b and characters 22 b are backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by the LED 61 b;
- the scales 21 c and characters 22 c are backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by the LED 61 c.
- the fog lamp indicator 23 is backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by the LED 63 ; the voltage indicator 24 is backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by the LED 64 ; and the oil pressure indicator 25 is backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by the LED 65 .
- white LEDs are adopted as the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c.
- a green LED is adopted as the LED 63 .
- Red LEDs are adopted as the LEDs 64 , 65 .
- the scales 21 a, 21 b, 21 c and characters 22 a, 22 b, 22 c are luminously displayed in white.
- the fog lump indicator 23 is luminously displayed in green.
- the voltage indicator 24 and oil pressure indicator 25 are luminously displayed in red.
- the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c are formed of cross-coil actuators, stepping motors, or the like for rotating the shafts 51 a, 51 b, 51 c of the pointing shafts by the angles corresponding to the respective external electrical signals (in the first embodiment, a vehicle speed signal, an engine rotation signal, and a liquid level signal).
- the shafts 51 a, 51 b, 51 c of the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c pass through the penetrating holes 2 c of the dial plate 2 and outwardly extend so as to fix pointers 7 a, 7 b, 7 c to their tops.
- the pointers 7 a, 7 b, 7 c are formed of a transparent material such as a transparent acryl resin etc. and are luminously displayed by incident light emitted from the LEDs 62 a, 62 b, 62 c mounted on the flexible printed circuit board 4 .
- the LEDs 62 a, 62 b, 62 c are disposed on the flexible printed circuit board 4 in such a manner that lights emitted from them pass through the penetrating holes 2 c and enter the pointers 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, respectively.
- light shielding caps 8 a, 8 b, 8 c are disposed for preventing the lights of the LEDs 62 a, 62 b, 62 c from directly entering eyes of the driver, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c are fixed to and positioned in the casing 18 to be described later, using locking hooks 53 a, 53 b, 53 c.
- a connector 15 b is mounted on the flexible printed circuit 4 , and is electrically connected and fitted with a connector 15 a that is integrated with a liquid crystal panel 15 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the liquid crystal panel 15 functions as a notification unit for displaying characters and figures on its screen, and is disposed in the dial panel 2 for digitally showing a distance driven of the relevant vehicle.
- the liquid crystal panel 15 functions as an odometer of an accumulated distance driven for displaying a total distance driven of the relevant vehicle and a trip meter of an interval distance for displaying a distance driven from after the driver conducts a given manipulation.
- the liquid crystal panel 15 is fixed to the casing 18 ; an opening 2 d is formed in the dial panel 2 for the driver to see the liquid crystal panel 15 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- a changing-over switch 17 is mounted for the driver to manipulate to switch displaying items in the liquid crystal panel 15 .
- the odometer is switched to the trip meter, of which display is reset to “0 km” at the same time.
- the changing-over switch 17 includes a push rod 171 for the driver to manipulate; the top of the push rod 171 extends outward from the combination meter 1 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the changing-over switch 17 is fixed and positioned to the casing 18 via a locking hook 172 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- a buzzer 16 is mounted as a sounding unit and notification unit, being fixed and positioned to the casing 18 .
- a first connector 11 is mounted for electrically connecting the flexible printed circuit board 4 with the printed circuit board 9 by being connected and fitted with a second connector 12 on the printed circuit board 9 .
- the first connector 11 is mounted on a connecting portion 4 a formed by extending a part of the flexible printed circuit board 4 .
- the connecting portion 4 a functions as a lead wire.
- the connecting portion 4 a is constructed to be integrated with the flexible printed circuit board 4 ; however, it can be constructed as the necessary number of lead wires, instead of the connecting portion 4 a.
- the dial plate 2 is changed in its design due to a model change, a vehicle type change, or the like of a vehicle where the combination meter 1 is mounted.
- various electrical components mounted on the flexible printed circuit board 4 are changed in their mounting layouts on the flexible printed circuit board 4 , accordingly.
- the various electrical components include the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, 63 , 64 , 65 , movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, connector 15 b, and changing-over switch 17 .
- the electrical components whose layouts are changed in association with the design change of the dial plate 2 are intensively mounted on the flexible printed circuit board 4 .
- the printed circuit board 9 of the control board is disposed.
- the printed circuit board 9 is made of glass epoxy board or the like.
- a controller 10 of the control circuit is mounted on this board 9 .
- the second connector 12 is mounted for electrically connecting the printed circuit board 9 with the flexible printed circuit board 4 by being connected and fitted with the first connector 11 on the flexible printed circuit board 4 .
- the second connector 12 includes a concave portion 13 facing the first connector 11 , as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 .
- an operator separates the first and second connectors 11 , 12 by pulling them in the separating directions while one hand holding the flexible printed circuit board 4 and the other hand holding the printed circuit board 9 .
- a top of a tool such as a screw driver D is inserted deeply into the concave portion 13 as shown in FIG. 5A ; next, the screw driver D is axially rotated.
- the first and second connectors 11 , 12 are thereby separated from each other as shown in FIG. 5B .
- the force derived from the screw driver D is applied only to the connectors themselves 11 , 12 , while no force is applied to the above soldering portions. Therefore, the first and second connectors 11 , 12 can be separated without damage to the soldering portions.
- a connector 14 is mounted on the printed circuit board 9 for electrically connecting the combination meter 1 with an external portion as shown in FIG. 2 . Namely, via the connector 14 , the combination meter 1 is provided with power from the battery 48 and electrical signals necessary for display operation.
- the printed circuit board 9 is positioned in a space where the movements 5 a, 5 b do not overlap nor intersect with the printed circuit board 9 in their shaft directions (vertical direction in FIG. 2 ).
- the controller 10 is constructed of a hybrid IC or the like including a micro-computer and controls various electrical signals inputted from outside of the combination meter 1 . Namely, the controller 10 controls lighting and extinguishing (putting on and off) of the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, 63 , 64 , 65 , drives the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, and rotates the shafts 51 a, 51 b, 51 c by respective angles. Further, the controller 10 switches displays of the crystal display panel 15 when the drive manipulates the changing-over switch 17 .
- the controller mounted on the printed circuit board 9 includes a high-speed switching circuit for driving the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, so that electrical noise arises to possibly adversely affect operation of other electronic devices mounted on the relevant vehicle, such as a radio receiver. Therefore, to prevent radiation of the electrical noise, an electrical noise preventing circuit is formed by mounting various electronic elements around the controller 10 .
- an electrical circuit is constituted by a single printed circuit board, where a control circuit is mounted along with movements and LEDs.
- a dial plate When the design of a dial plate is changed due to a model change in a vehicle, the layouts of the movements, LEDs, and control circuit are changed, accordingly. A large amount of processes thereby become necessary for circuit designing, prototype manufacturing, evaluating, improving, etc.
- the controller 10 being a reason for generating the electrical noise is mounted on the printed circuit board 9 , while being separated from the flexible printed circuit board 4 where the movements, LEDs are mounted.
- the controller 10 is independently separated from the flexible printed circuit board 4 where the layouts of electrical components mounted are changed based on the model change of a vehicle or the like.
- the dial plate 2 , light conducting plate 3 , flexible printed circuit board 4 , and printed circuit board 9 are fixed to the casing 18 , which is formed by, e.g., mold formation of resin and constitutes a bone structure of the combination meter 1 .
- the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, and changing-over switch 17 are fixed and positioned via the locking hooks 53 a, 53 b, 53 c, 172 .
- the buzzer 16 is further fixed and positioned to the casing 18 .
- the casing 18 holds the dial plate 2 as a single plane and the flexible printed circuit board 4 parallel to the dial plate 2 .
- the dial plate 2 and flexible printed circuit board 4 are disposed parallel to each other.
- the shafts 51 a, 51 b, 51 c of the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c are thereby perpendicular to the dial plate 2 ; the dial plate 2 and each rotation display portion corresponding to rotation areas of the pointers 7 a, 7 b, 7 c are parallel to each other.
- gaps between the dial plate 2 and the respective pointers 7 a, 7 b, 7 c are maintained constant regardless of the rotation angles. This enhances an appearance of the combination meter 1 .
- the lights can be thereby emitted from the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c in incident angles of approximately zero degree to the portions in the dial plate 2 corresponding to the respective light sources. That is, the lights emitted from the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c are perpendicular to the dial plate 2 . This enhances efficiency in usage of the lights emitted from the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c.
- a back cover 19 is attached.
- the back cover 19 is made of, e.g., a resin material and covers the back side of the casing 18 .
- the back cover 19 includes an opening 19 a, as shown in FIG. 2 , through which an external electrical wire (not shown) is connected with the connector 14 .
- a transparent cover 31 is attached via a facing end plate 30 of an approximate frame shape.
- the transparent cover 31 is made of transparent resin thin plate, glass, etc. and prevents dusts or the like from entering the inside of the combination meter 1 .
- the controller 10 is constantly provided with the power from the battery 48 and connected with an ignition switch 47 to detect an operating state (ON or OFF) of the ignition switch 47 . Further, the controller 10 is connected with a speed sensor 41 , rotation sensor 42 , fuel level sensor 43 , fog lamp switch 44 , voltage sensor 45 , lubricating oil pressure sensor 46 to receive their detection signals.
- electrical connection with the outside of the combination meter 1 is performed via the connector 14 mounted on the printed circuit board 9 .
- the controller 10 is connected with the components mounted on the printed circuit board 9 , i.e., the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, 63 , 64 , 65 , buzzer 16 , and changing-over switch 17 .
- Electrical connection between the flexible printed circuit board 4 and printed circuit board 9 is performed by connecting and fitting the connectors 11 , 12 .
- the connector 14 that is electrically connected with the external devices is mounted on the printed circuit board 9 , so that the route of the electrical signal within the combination meter 1 can be minimized. The external electrical noise is thereby prevented from entering the control circuit of the combination meter 1 .
- the controller 10 detects the ignition switch turned on and puts on the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c. This luminously displays the scales 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, and the characters 22 a, 22 b, 22 c along with the pointers 7 a, 7 b, 7 c.
- the controller 10 drives the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c to rotate the shafts 51 a, 51 b, 51 c by the corresponding angles based on the detection signals from the speed sensor 41 , rotation sensor 42 , and fuel level sensor 43 , respectively.
- the pointer 7 a, 7 b, 7 c thereby indicate a traveling speed, an engine rotation number, and a remaining fuel amount, respectively.
- the controller 10 further drives the liquid crystal panel 15 to display either a total distance driven or an interval distance driven based on a selection signal from the changing-over switch 17 .
- the controller detects it and puts on the LED 63 .
- the fog lamp indicator 23 is thereby displayed in green on the dial plate 2 .
- the controller 10 detects the voltage decrease via the voltage sensor 45 and puts on the LED 64 .
- the voltage indicator 24 is thereby luminously displayed in red on the dial panel 2 .
- the controller 10 drives the buzzer 16 for a given period for sounding an alarm.
- the controller 10 detects the pressure decrease via the lubricating oil pressure sensor 46 and puts on the LED 65 .
- the oil pressure indicator 25 is thereby luminously displayed in red on the dial panel 2 .
- the controller 10 drives the buzzer 16 for a given period for sounding an alarm.
- the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, 63 , 64 , 65 , movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, connector 15 b, buzzer 16 , and changing-over switch 17 are mounted on the flexible printed circuit board 4 , while the controller 10 that drives the above-described electrical components is mounted on the printed circuit board 9 .
- a circuit board constituting the electrical circuit of the combination meter 1 is divided into two boards.
- One of the two boards is the flexible printed circuit board 4 that accommodates the electrical components whose layouts on the flexible printed circuit board 4 need changing according to the design change of the dial plate 2 due to a model change of a vehicle or the like.
- the electrical components mounted on the flexible printed circuit board 4 scarcely generates electrical noise.
- the other board of the two is the printed circuit board 9 that accommodates the controller 10 that is not so much affected by the design change of the dial plate 2 due to a model change of a vehicle or the like and that generates electrical noise while operating.
- a single board constitutes the electrical circuit, so that the control circuit is mounted on the same board as the board where the movements and LEDs are mounted. Therefore, when the design of the dial plate is changed, the layouts of the movements, LEDs, control circuit are changed, accordingly. A large amount of man power is thereby required for circuit designing to decrease the electrical noise, prototype manufacturing, evaluating, improving, etc.
- the controller 10 that is not so much affected by the design change of the dial plate 2 and that generates the electrical noise is mounted on the printed circuit board 9 , separately from the flexible printed circuit board 4 where the movements, LEDs, etc.
- the preventive countermeasure for the electrical noise from the controller 10 can be thereby performed within the printed circuit board 9 ; further, the circuit design for the flexible printed circuit board 4 can be easily conducted at the model change of a vehicle. Therefore, this can remarkably decrease man power for designing the combination meter 1 corresponding to the model change etc., and achieve the combination meter 1 capable of restricting the electrical noise generation.
- a single printed circuit board 9 can be used in common, while multiple flexible printed circuit boards 4 are prepared for the different layouts of the movements, LEDs, or the like.
- the number of kinds of the components can be thereby decreased, so that the cost of the combination meter 1 can be decreased.
- the printed circuit board 9 is positioned between the movements 5 a, 5 c in such a manner that the movements 5 a, 5 c do not overlap not intersect with the printed circuit board 9 in their axial directions.
- the printed circuit board 9 along with the movements 5 a, 5 b, 5 c is disposed backward of the flexible printed circuit board 4 without intersecting the adjacent movements 5 a, 5 c.
- the first connector 11 mounted on the flexible printed circuit board 4 and the second connector 12 mounted on the printed circuit board 9 are fitted and connected with each other, so that the boards 4 , 9 are electrically connected.
- the second connector 12 includes the concave 13 facing the first connector 11 .
- the both connectors 11 , 12 when the both connectors 11 , 12 are separated from each other, they can be separated by inserting the tool 13 into the concave portion 13 and rotating the tool 13 , without involving damage to the soldering portions between the boards 4 , 9 and connectors 11 , 12 , respectively.
- damage to the electrical conductor for instance, copper foil can be also restricted.
- the LEDs as light sources are disposed on the front surface (forward) of the flexible printed circuit board 4 while the movements are disposed on the back surface (backward) of the flexible printed circuit board 4 .
- a distance between the light sources and the dial plate 2 can be thereby designed without being affected by the movements, so that light emitted from the light sources can be effectively used.
- the combination meter 1 is typically contained within an instrument panel forward of the driver seat. Within the instrument panel, a fan duct is also disposed for air-conditioning, e.g., near the either lateral ends of the combination meter 1 . Therefore, the shape of the combination meter 1 particularly in a peripheral area has a limitation derived from the interference with the fan duct.
- the printed circuit board 9 is disposed between the movements, so that the printed circuit board 9 can be disposed to be separated from the peripheral area.
- the thickness in the peripheral area can be thereby decreased, so that installation of the combination meter 1 on the vehicle can be improved.
- the flexible printed circuit board 4 adopted in this embodiment is cheaper than a rigid printed circuit board, e.g., glass epoxy board, so that the cost of the combination meter 1 can be decreased.
- a combination meter 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 7 .
- a dial plate 2 of the combination meter 1 of the second embodiment has a curved shape, and a flexible printed circuit board 4 is disposed parallel to the dial plate 2 , as shown in FIG. 7 .
- Movement 5 a, 5 b, 5 c are disposed in such a manner that shafts 51 a, 51 b, 51 c are perpendicular to the dial plate 2 .
- LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c are disposed so that incident angles relative to the dial plate 2 are approximately zero degree.
- the dial plate 2 and each of rotation display portions of rotation areas of the pointers 7 a, 7 b, 7 c are parallel to each other. In other words, gaps between the dial plate 2 and each of the pointers 7 a, 7 b, 7 c are maintained constant regardless of the respective rotation angles. This enhances an appearance of the combination meter 1 . Further, the lights are emitted from the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c perpendicularly to the dial plate 2 . This enhances efficiency in usage of the lights emitted from the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b, 62 c.
- a perpendicular line on an approximately centered area of the screen of the liquid crystal panel 15 is maintained to be perpendicular to the dial plate 2 . Therefore, two gaps in the both lateral ends of the liquid crystal panel 15 between the liquid crystal panel 15 and dial plate 2 become symmetrical. This also enhances an appearance of the combination meter 1 .
- a meter 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 8 .
- a dial plate 2 of the combination meter 1 of the third embodiment has a folded surface, and a flexible printed circuit board 4 is disposed parallel to the dial plate 2 , namely the flexible printed circuit board 4 also has the fold surface as that of the dial plate 2 .
- movement 5 a, 5 b are disposed in such a manner that shafts 51 a, 51 b are perpendicular to the dial plate 2 .
- LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 62 a, 62 b are disposed so that incident angles relative to the dial plate 2 are approximately zero degree.
- the dial plate 2 and each of rotation display portions of rotation areas of the pointer 7 a, 7 b are parallel to each other. In other words, gaps between the dial plate 2 and the pointers 7 a, 7 b are maintained constant regardless of the rotation angles. This enhances an appearance of the combination meter 1 . Further, the lights are emitted from the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 62 a, 62 b perpendicularly to the dial plate 2 . This enhances efficiency in usage of the lights emitted from the LEDs 61 a, 61 b, 62 a, 62 b.
- a meter 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 9 .
- a back cover 19 includes an opening 19 a through which a printed circuit board 9 can pass, and a cover 32 is provided for covering the opening 19 c.
- the printed circuit board 9 can be thereby easily removed from the combination meter 1 while the combination meter 1 is mounted on the vehicle.
- the changing-over switch 17 is mounted on the flexible printed circuit board 4 ; however, a variable resistor or rotary encoder being a pulse generator for adjusting lighting intensity in the dial plate 2 can be mounted instead of, or in addition to the changing-over switch 17 .
- three movements are included in the combination meter 1 ; however, the number of movements can be one, two, four, or more without limiting to three.
- the fog lamp indicator 23 As the display portions provided in the dial plate 2 , the fog lamp indicator 23 , voltage indicator 24 , and oil pressure indicator 25 are provided; however, at least one of the three indicators can be replaced with another display portion, or an additional display portion can be provided.
- This additional display portion can include a direction indicator, brake liquid level indicator, airbag abnormality indicator, and the like.
- the liquid crystal panel 15 is used as an odometer and trip meter; however, without limiting to them, other information can be displayed, e.g., a temperature of a vehicle interior, a temperature of outside of the vehicle, various alarms, etc.
Abstract
Description
- This application is based on and incorporates herein by reference Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-274252 filed on Jul. 14, 2003.
- The present invention relates to an indicating instrument that is mounted on a vehicle and rotates a pointer according to measured values. The present invention is suitably applied to an automobile.
- Conventionally, an indicating instrument for vehicles includes a dial plate having a plurality of display portions; light sources for luminously displaying the dial plate; movements for extending their pointer shafts forward of the dial plate; control circuits for driving the movements so that the pointer shafts are rotated by angles according to individual measured values detected by external detectors or the like and also for controlling ON and OFF of the light sources; and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is disposed backward of the dial plate to constitute an electric circuit by accommodating the light sources, the movements, and the control circuits. For example, this is described in JP-2003-75206-A (U.S. 2003/0043048 A1).
- In the above instrument, the respective light sources or movements are formed on the printed circuit board in correspondence to positions of the display portions, i.e., indicators that indicate existence/nonexistence of abnormality and operating states of parts of the vehicle; gauges for various instruments. Further, the control circuits are appropriately disposed in free spaces other than spaces for the light sources and the movements.
- The light sources include light emitting diodes (LEDs), while the movements include a cross-coil type actuator or a stepping motor.
- The movement is driven by applying voltage in pulse to it. Also, the LEDs are controlled in their lighting by applying the voltage in pulse to them. This varies a duty of ON/OFF, enabling easy control of lighting intensity.
- Namely, a control circuit generates the voltage in pulse, so that so-called electrical noise is radiated and potentially adversely affects other electric devices mounted on the vehicle, e.g., a radio receiver, a phone.
- The electrical noise level from the printed circuit board varies depending on wiring patterns thereof, i.e., positions of the LEDs, movements, and control circuits. Therefore, the positions of the LEDs, movements, and control circuits are adjusted so that the radiated noise can be decreased to a harmless level.
- Further, when the above indicating instrument is mounted on a different vehicle type, or when the display portions of the dial panel are changed by the design change due to a model change of a vehicle or the like, the LEDs and the movements simultaneously need changing in their layouts.
- As a result, in response to installation in a different vehicle type, or to a model change of a vehicle, work cycles are repeated to decrease the electrical noise to the harmless level each time the printed circuit is re-designed. The work cycle includes circuit designing, prototype manufacturing, evaluating, design improving, etc., which entails a lot of man power.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an indicating instrument capable of restricting electrical noise radiated without increasing man power in designing a printed circuit, by devising a structure of the printed circuit.
- To achieve the above object, an indicating instrument for a vehicle includes as follows: dial panel having a display portion; a light source that luminously displays the dial panel; a movement that is for driving a pointer and including a shaft for the pointer that extends forward of the dial panel; and a control circuit that is for controlling driving of the movement and putting on and off of the light source. Further, it includes a design board where the movement and the light source is mounted; and a control board where the control circuit is mounted. Here, the design board and the control board are constructed separately from each other.
- Generally, electrical noise on a printed circuit board is generated mainly by a control circuit, while a movement and a light source generate much less electrical noise. Further, layouts of the movement and light source are changed according to a design change of a dial plate due to a model change of a vehicle, while an electrical circuit structure or control specifications within a control circuit are maintained constant regardless of the layouts of the movement and light source on the printed circuit.
- In the above structure of the present invention, the printed circuit board is divided into two boards: a design board where the movement and light source are mounted; and a control board where the control circuit is mounted. Here, in designing the design board, man power for decreasing the arising electrical noise can be eliminated. Further, in designing the control board, the effective countermeasure for the electrical noise can be adopted without considering the layouts of the movement and light source. This enables the electrical noise radiated from the control board to be securely decreased.
- The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of a combination meter according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken from a line II to II inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken from a line III to III inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a combination meter according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 5A is a view of a state prior to separation in a procedure for separating a first and second connectors according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 5B is a view of a state posterior to separation in a procedure for separating a first and second connectors according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining a structure of an electrical circuit of a combination meter according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a combination meter according to a second embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of a combination meter according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of a combination meter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. - An indicating instrument for a vehicle according to the present invention is directed to a combination meter for an automobile.
- A
combination meter 1 displays various information relating to a relevant vehicle and is disposed in such a manner that a driver seated in the front driver seat can see thecombination meter 1. - The
combination meter 1 primarily includes, in itsdial plate 2, indicating instruments of a speedometer A, tachometer B, and fuel meter C; and display portions of afog lamp indicator 23,voltage indicator 24, andoil pressure indicator 25, as shown inFIG. 1 . Hereinafter, “front” or “forward” of thecombination meter 1 is the side, surface, space, etc. of thecombination meter 1 that faces the driver seat, while “back” or “backward” of thecombination meter 1 is the side, surface, space, etc. of thecombination meter 1 that is opposite to the “front” or “forward.” - The
dial plate 2 is formed of a thin plate made of transparent polycarbonate resin etc. In thedial plate 2, scales, characters, and various indicators are formed, as shown inFIG. 1 , i.e., thescales 21 a andcharacters 22 a constituting the speedometer A for displaying a traveling speed of the relevant vehicle; thescales 21 b andcharacters 22 b constituting the tachometer B for displaying an engine rotation number of the relevant vehicle; thescales 21 c andcharacters 22 c constituting the fuel meter C for displaying a remaining fuel amount of the relevant vehicle; thefog lamp indicator 23 for indicating a lighting state of the fog lamp; thevoltage indicator 24 for indicating a voltage decrease to less than a given level in abattery 48; theoil pressure indicator 25 for indicating an amount decrease to less than a given level in a lubricating oil. - The
scales characters indicators front surface 2 a (upper portion inFIG. 2 ) orback surface 2 b (lower portion inFIG. 2 ) of thedial plate 2. Namely, a colored layer having opacity is formed on surface areas other than thescales characters indicators dial plate 2, while thescales characters indicators - Further, the
dial plate 2 has penetratingholes 2 c in the approximately longitudinally centered horizontal line as shown inFIG. 2 . Through the penetratingholes 2 c,shafts movements FIG. 2 ) of thedial plate 2 extend forward (upper portion inFIG. 2 ) of thedial plate 2. - Below the back surface of the
dial plate 2, alight conducting plate 3 is disposed to be appressed to thedial plate 2 for conducting light emitted from theLEDs scales characters plate 3 is formed of transparent polycarbonate resin etc. - Further, backward (lower portion in
FIG. 2 ) of thedial plate 2, a flexible printedcircuit board 4 of a design board is disposed. The flexible printedcircuit board 4 constitutes a electrical circuit portion of thecombination meter 1 and is formed by attaching an conductive material on a flexible electrically insulating material to thereby form a given wiring pattern. The conductive material includes copper foil, while the flexible electrically insulating material includes a sheet-shaped resin. - On the flexible printed
circuit 4, theLEDs FIG. 2 . Namely, thescales 21 a andcharacters 22 a are backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by theLEDs 61 a; thescales 21 b andcharacters 22 b are backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by theLED 61 b; and thescales 21 c andcharacters 22 c are backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by theLED 61 c. Further, thefog lamp indicator 23 is backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by theLED 63; thevoltage indicator 24 is backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by theLED 64; and theoil pressure indicator 25 is backlit and displayed by transmitted illumination from the light emitted by theLED 65. - In the
combination meter 1 of the first embodiment, white LEDs are adopted as theLEDs LED 63. Red LEDs are adopted as theLEDs scales characters fog lump indicator 23 is luminously displayed in green. Thevoltage indicator 24 andoil pressure indicator 25 are luminously displayed in red. - On the flexible printed
circuit 4, threemovements movements circuit board 4. - The
movements shafts shafts movements holes 2 c of thedial plate 2 and outwardly extend so as to fixpointers - The
pointers LEDs circuit board 4. Namely, theLEDs circuit board 4 in such a manner that lights emitted from them pass through the penetratingholes 2 c and enter thepointers LEDs FIG. 2 . Here, themovements casing 18 to be described later, using locking hooks 53 a, 53 b, 53 c. - Further, a
connector 15 b is mounted on the flexible printedcircuit 4, and is electrically connected and fitted with aconnector 15 a that is integrated with aliquid crystal panel 15, as shown inFIG. 3 . Here, theliquid crystal panel 15 functions as a notification unit for displaying characters and figures on its screen, and is disposed in thedial panel 2 for digitally showing a distance driven of the relevant vehicle. Namely, theliquid crystal panel 15 functions as an odometer of an accumulated distance driven for displaying a total distance driven of the relevant vehicle and a trip meter of an interval distance for displaying a distance driven from after the driver conducts a given manipulation. Further, theliquid crystal panel 15 is fixed to thecasing 18; anopening 2 d is formed in thedial panel 2 for the driver to see theliquid crystal panel 15 as shown inFIG. 3 . - Further, on the flexible printed
circuit board 4, a changing-over switch 17 is mounted for the driver to manipulate to switch displaying items in theliquid crystal panel 15. Namely, the odometer is switched to the trip meter, of which display is reset to “0 km” at the same time. The changing-overswitch 17 includes apush rod 171 for the driver to manipulate; the top of thepush rod 171 extends outward from thecombination meter 1, as shown inFIG. 2 . The changing-overswitch 17 is fixed and positioned to thecasing 18 via alocking hook 172, as shown inFIG. 2 . - Further, on the flexible printed
circuit board 4, abuzzer 16 is mounted as a sounding unit and notification unit, being fixed and positioned to thecasing 18. - Further, on the flexible printed
circuit board 4, afirst connector 11 is mounted for electrically connecting the flexible printedcircuit board 4 with the printedcircuit board 9 by being connected and fitted with asecond connector 12 on the printedcircuit board 9. Thefirst connector 11 is mounted on a connectingportion 4 a formed by extending a part of the flexible printedcircuit board 4. Namely, the connectingportion 4 a functions as a lead wire. In this embodiment, the connectingportion 4 a is constructed to be integrated with the flexible printedcircuit board 4; however, it can be constructed as the necessary number of lead wires, instead of the connectingportion 4 a. - Incidentally, it is supposed that the
dial plate 2 is changed in its design due to a model change, a vehicle type change, or the like of a vehicle where thecombination meter 1 is mounted. Here, various electrical components mounted on the flexible printedcircuit board 4 are changed in their mounting layouts on the flexible printedcircuit board 4, accordingly. Here, the various electrical components include theLEDs movements connector 15 b, and changing-overswitch 17. In other words, in thecombination meter 1 of this embodiment, the electrical components whose layouts are changed in association with the design change of thedial plate 2 are intensively mounted on the flexible printedcircuit board 4. - Backward of the flexible printed circuit board 4 (lower portion in
FIG. 2 ), the printedcircuit board 9 of the control board is disposed. The printedcircuit board 9 is made of glass epoxy board or the like. Acontroller 10 of the control circuit is mounted on thisboard 9. - On the printed
circuit board 9, thesecond connector 12 is mounted for electrically connecting the printedcircuit board 9 with the flexible printedcircuit board 4 by being connected and fitted with thefirst connector 11 on the flexible printedcircuit board 4. Thesecond connector 12 includes aconcave portion 13 facing thefirst connector 11, as shown inFIGS. 2, 4 . - The function and effect of the
concave portion 13 will be explained below. When the printedcircuit board 9 is removed from thecombination meter 1, the first andsecond connectors - Without the
concave portion 13, an operator separates the first andsecond connectors circuit board 4 and the other hand holding the printedcircuit board 9. This applies force to a soldering portion between the flexible printedcircuit board 4 and thefirst connector 11, and to a soldering portion between the printedcircuit board 9 and thesecond connector 12, resulting in possible damage to the soldering portions and a possible defect in electrical connection. - By contrast, when the
concave portion 13 is provided, at first a top of a tool such as a screw driver D is inserted deeply into theconcave portion 13 as shown inFIG. 5A ; next, the screw driver D is axially rotated. The first andsecond connectors FIG. 5B . During this operation, the force derived from the screw driver D is applied only to the connectors themselves 11, 12, while no force is applied to the above soldering portions. Therefore, the first andsecond connectors - Further, a
connector 14 is mounted on the printedcircuit board 9 for electrically connecting thecombination meter 1 with an external portion as shown inFIG. 2 . Namely, via theconnector 14, thecombination meter 1 is provided with power from thebattery 48 and electrical signals necessary for display operation. - The printed
circuit board 9 is positioned in a space where themovements circuit board 9 in their shaft directions (vertical direction inFIG. 2 ). - The
controller 10 is constructed of a hybrid IC or the like including a micro-computer and controls various electrical signals inputted from outside of thecombination meter 1. Namely, thecontroller 10 controls lighting and extinguishing (putting on and off) of theLEDs movements shafts controller 10 switches displays of thecrystal display panel 15 when the drive manipulates the changing-overswitch 17. - The controller mounted on the printed
circuit board 9 includes a high-speed switching circuit for driving themovements controller 10. - In a conventional indicating instrument for a vehicle, an electrical circuit is constituted by a single printed circuit board, where a control circuit is mounted along with movements and LEDs. When the design of a dial plate is changed due to a model change in a vehicle, the layouts of the movements, LEDs, and control circuit are changed, accordingly. A large amount of processes thereby become necessary for circuit designing, prototype manufacturing, evaluating, improving, etc.
- By contrast, in the
combination meter 1 of the first embodiment, thecontroller 10 being a reason for generating the electrical noise is mounted on the printedcircuit board 9, while being separated from the flexible printedcircuit board 4 where the movements, LEDs are mounted. In other words, thecontroller 10 is independently separated from the flexible printedcircuit board 4 where the layouts of electrical components mounted are changed based on the model change of a vehicle or the like. - This enables a countermeasure on the printed
circuit board 9 for electrical noise radiation from thecontroller 10 to be securely performed. Even when the layouts of the movements, LEDs, etc. are changed on the printedcircuit board 4 due to a model change in a vehicle, the change in the printedcircuit board 9 can be eliminated. The man power can be thereby remarkably decreased in designing thecombination meter 1 pertinent to the model change etc. - The
dial plate 2,light conducting plate 3, flexible printedcircuit board 4, and printedcircuit board 9 are fixed to thecasing 18, which is formed by, e.g., mold formation of resin and constitutes a bone structure of thecombination meter 1. To thecasing 18, themovements switch 17 are fixed and positioned via the locking hooks 53 a, 53 b, 53 c, 172. Thebuzzer 16 is further fixed and positioned to thecasing 18. - The
casing 18 holds thedial plate 2 as a single plane and the flexible printedcircuit board 4 parallel to thedial plate 2. Namely, in thecombination meter 1 of the first embodiment, thedial plate 2 and flexible printedcircuit board 4 are disposed parallel to each other. Theshafts movements dial plate 2; thedial plate 2 and each rotation display portion corresponding to rotation areas of thepointers dial plate 2 and therespective pointers combination meter 1. Further, the lights can be thereby emitted from theLEDs dial plate 2 corresponding to the respective light sources. That is, the lights emitted from theLEDs dial plate 2. This enhances efficiency in usage of the lights emitted from theLEDs - Backward of the casing 18 (lower portion in
FIG. 2 ), aback cover 19 is attached. Theback cover 19 is made of, e.g., a resin material and covers the back side of thecasing 18. Theback cover 19 includes anopening 19 a, as shown inFIG. 2 , through which an external electrical wire (not shown) is connected with theconnector 14. - Forward of the
dial plate 2, atransparent cover 31 is attached via a facingend plate 30 of an approximate frame shape. Thetransparent cover 31 is made of transparent resin thin plate, glass, etc. and prevents dusts or the like from entering the inside of thecombination meter 1. - Next, a structure of an electrical circuit of the
combination meter 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained below with reference toFIG. 6 . Thecontroller 10 is constantly provided with the power from thebattery 48 and connected with anignition switch 47 to detect an operating state (ON or OFF) of theignition switch 47. Further, thecontroller 10 is connected with aspeed sensor 41,rotation sensor 42,fuel level sensor 43,fog lamp switch 44,voltage sensor 45, lubricatingoil pressure sensor 46 to receive their detection signals. Here, electrical connection with the outside of thecombination meter 1 is performed via theconnector 14 mounted on the printedcircuit board 9. - The
controller 10 is connected with the components mounted on the printedcircuit board 9, i.e., themovements LEDs buzzer 16, and changing-overswitch 17. Electrical connection between the flexible printedcircuit board 4 and printedcircuit board 9 is performed by connecting and fitting theconnectors - As explained above, the
connector 14 that is electrically connected with the external devices is mounted on the printedcircuit board 9, so that the route of the electrical signal within thecombination meter 1 can be minimized. The external electrical noise is thereby prevented from entering the control circuit of thecombination meter 1. - An operation of the
combination meter 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained below. When a driver turns on theignition switch 47 to activate a vehicle, thecontroller 10 detects the ignition switch turned on and puts on theLEDs scales characters pointers - The
controller 10 drives themovements shafts speed sensor 41,rotation sensor 42, andfuel level sensor 43, respectively. Thepointer controller 10 further drives theliquid crystal panel 15 to display either a total distance driven or an interval distance driven based on a selection signal from the changing-overswitch 17. - When the driver puts on the fog lamp (not shown) by manipulating the
fog lamp switch 44, the controller detects it and puts on theLED 63. Thefog lamp indicator 23 is thereby displayed in green on thedial plate 2. - When the voltage of the
battery 48 is decreased to less than a given level due to any reason during the vehicle operation, thecontroller 10 detects the voltage decrease via thevoltage sensor 45 and puts on theLED 64. Thevoltage indicator 24 is thereby luminously displayed in red on thedial panel 2. At the same time, thecontroller 10 drives thebuzzer 16 for a given period for sounding an alarm. - Similarly, when the lubricating oil pressure of the engine is decreased to less than a given level due to any reason during the vehicle operation, the
controller 10 detects the pressure decrease via the lubricatingoil pressure sensor 46 and puts on theLED 65. Theoil pressure indicator 25 is thereby luminously displayed in red on thedial panel 2. At the same time, thecontroller 10 drives thebuzzer 16 for a given period for sounding an alarm. - As explained above, in the
combination meter 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, theLEDs movements connector 15 b,buzzer 16, and changing-overswitch 17 are mounted on the flexible printedcircuit board 4, while thecontroller 10 that drives the above-described electrical components is mounted on the printedcircuit board 9. In other words, a circuit board constituting the electrical circuit of thecombination meter 1 is divided into two boards. One of the two boards is the flexible printedcircuit board 4 that accommodates the electrical components whose layouts on the flexible printedcircuit board 4 need changing according to the design change of thedial plate 2 due to a model change of a vehicle or the like. Here, the electrical components mounted on the flexible printedcircuit board 4 scarcely generates electrical noise. By contrast, the other board of the two is the printedcircuit board 9 that accommodates thecontroller 10 that is not so much affected by the design change of thedial plate 2 due to a model change of a vehicle or the like and that generates electrical noise while operating. - In a conventional indicating instrument for a vehicle, a single board constitutes the electrical circuit, so that the control circuit is mounted on the same board as the board where the movements and LEDs are mounted. Therefore, when the design of the dial plate is changed, the layouts of the movements, LEDs, control circuit are changed, accordingly. A large amount of man power is thereby required for circuit designing to decrease the electrical noise, prototype manufacturing, evaluating, improving, etc.
- By contrast, in the
combination meter 1 of this embodiment, thecontroller 10 that is not so much affected by the design change of thedial plate 2 and that generates the electrical noise is mounted on the printedcircuit board 9, separately from the flexible printedcircuit board 4 where the movements, LEDs, etc. The preventive countermeasure for the electrical noise from thecontroller 10 can be thereby performed within the printedcircuit board 9; further, the circuit design for the flexible printedcircuit board 4 can be easily conducted at the model change of a vehicle. Therefore, this can remarkably decrease man power for designing thecombination meter 1 corresponding to the model change etc., and achieve thecombination meter 1 capable of restricting the electrical noise generation. - Furthermore, by adopting the above structure, a single printed
circuit board 9 can be used in common, while multiple flexible printedcircuit boards 4 are prepared for the different layouts of the movements, LEDs, or the like. The number of kinds of the components can be thereby decreased, so that the cost of thecombination meter 1 can be decreased. - Further, in the
combination meter 1 of this embodiment, the printedcircuit board 9 is positioned between themovements movements circuit board 9 in their axial directions. In other words, the printedcircuit board 9 along with themovements circuit board 4 without intersecting theadjacent movements - This enables the printed
circuit board 9 to be positioned in a free space between theadjacent movements shaft 51 a to result in improvement in installation of thecombination meter 1 on a vehicle. - Further, the
first connector 11 mounted on the flexible printedcircuit board 4 and thesecond connector 12 mounted on the printedcircuit board 9 are fitted and connected with each other, so that theboards second connector 12 includes the concave 13 facing thefirst connector 11. In this structure, when the bothconnectors tool 13 into theconcave portion 13 and rotating thetool 13, without involving damage to the soldering portions between theboards connectors circuit board 4 is adopted, damage to the electrical conductor for instance, copper foil, can be also restricted. - The LEDs as light sources are disposed on the front surface (forward) of the flexible printed
circuit board 4 while the movements are disposed on the back surface (backward) of the flexible printedcircuit board 4. A distance between the light sources and thedial plate 2 can be thereby designed without being affected by the movements, so that light emitted from the light sources can be effectively used. - The
combination meter 1 is typically contained within an instrument panel forward of the driver seat. Within the instrument panel, a fan duct is also disposed for air-conditioning, e.g., near the either lateral ends of thecombination meter 1. Therefore, the shape of thecombination meter 1 particularly in a peripheral area has a limitation derived from the interference with the fan duct. - By contrast, in this embodiment, the printed
circuit board 9 is disposed between the movements, so that the printedcircuit board 9 can be disposed to be separated from the peripheral area. The thickness in the peripheral area can be thereby decreased, so that installation of thecombination meter 1 on the vehicle can be improved. - Furthermore, the flexible printed
circuit board 4 adopted in this embodiment is cheaper than a rigid printed circuit board, e.g., glass epoxy board, so that the cost of thecombination meter 1 can be decreased. - A
combination meter 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference toFIG. 7 . Adial plate 2 of thecombination meter 1 of the second embodiment has a curved shape, and a flexible printedcircuit board 4 is disposed parallel to thedial plate 2, as shown inFIG. 7 .Movement shafts dial plate 2.LEDs dial plate 2 are approximately zero degree. - The
dial plate 2 and each of rotation display portions of rotation areas of thepointers dial plate 2 and each of thepointers combination meter 1. Further, the lights are emitted from theLEDs dial plate 2. This enhances efficiency in usage of the lights emitted from theLEDs liquid crystal panel 15, a perpendicular line on an approximately centered area of the screen of theliquid crystal panel 15 is maintained to be perpendicular to thedial plate 2. Therefore, two gaps in the both lateral ends of theliquid crystal panel 15 between theliquid crystal panel 15 anddial plate 2 become symmetrical. This also enhances an appearance of thecombination meter 1. - A
meter 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference toFIG. 8 . Adial plate 2 of thecombination meter 1 of the third embodiment has a folded surface, and a flexible printedcircuit board 4 is disposed parallel to thedial plate 2, namely the flexible printedcircuit board 4 also has the fold surface as that of thedial plate 2. Similarly to the second embodiment,movement shafts dial plate 2.LEDs dial plate 2 are approximately zero degree. - The
dial plate 2 and each of rotation display portions of rotation areas of thepointer dial plate 2 and thepointers combination meter 1. Further, the lights are emitted from theLEDs dial plate 2. This enhances efficiency in usage of the lights emitted from theLEDs - A
meter 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference toFIG. 9 . Aback cover 19 includes anopening 19 a through which a printedcircuit board 9 can pass, and acover 32 is provided for covering the opening 19 c. The printedcircuit board 9 can be thereby easily removed from thecombination meter 1 while thecombination meter 1 is mounted on the vehicle. - (Others)
- In the above embodiments, the changing-over
switch 17 is mounted on the flexible printedcircuit board 4; however, a variable resistor or rotary encoder being a pulse generator for adjusting lighting intensity in thedial plate 2 can be mounted instead of, or in addition to the changing-overswitch 17. - In the above embodiments, three movements are included in the
combination meter 1; however, the number of movements can be one, two, four, or more without limiting to three. - In the above embodiments, as the display portions provided in the
dial plate 2, thefog lamp indicator 23,voltage indicator 24, andoil pressure indicator 25 are provided; however, at least one of the three indicators can be replaced with another display portion, or an additional display portion can be provided. This additional display portion can include a direction indicator, brake liquid level indicator, airbag abnormality indicator, and the like. - In the above embodiments, the
liquid crystal panel 15 is used as an odometer and trip meter; however, without limiting to them, other information can be displayed, e.g., a temperature of a vehicle interior, a temperature of outside of the vehicle, various alarms, etc. - It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the above-described embodiments of the present invention. However, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the following claims.
Claims (13)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2003274252A JP2005037238A (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2003-07-14 | Pointer instrument for vehicle |
JP2003-274252 | 2003-07-14 |
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US20050012607A1 true US20050012607A1 (en) | 2005-01-20 |
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US10/885,643 Active 2024-11-20 US7196635B2 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2004-07-08 | Indicating instrument for vehicle |
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JP4939912B2 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2012-05-30 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Vehicle display device |
JP4833869B2 (en) * | 2007-01-15 | 2011-12-07 | カルソニックカンセイ株式会社 | Vehicle meter device |
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JP5288257B2 (en) * | 2008-12-24 | 2013-09-11 | 日本精機株式会社 | Display device |
JP4868057B2 (en) * | 2009-11-13 | 2012-02-01 | 株式会社デンソー | Meter system |
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US7866859B2 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2011-01-11 | Denso Corporation | Illuminated display device for vehicle |
US8526311B2 (en) | 2007-06-06 | 2013-09-03 | Veedims, Llc | System for integrating a plurality of modules using a power/data backbone network |
US20110176428A1 (en) * | 2007-06-06 | 2011-07-21 | Veedims, Llc | System for integrating a plurality of modules using a power/data backbone network |
US8303337B2 (en) | 2007-06-06 | 2012-11-06 | Veedims, Llc | Hybrid cable for conveying data and power |
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US8254734B2 (en) | 2008-03-07 | 2012-08-28 | Veedims, Llc | Virtual electronic switch system |
US8125346B2 (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2012-02-28 | Veedims, Llc | Analog-style instrumentation display with color-changing pointer |
US20090272313A1 (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2009-11-05 | Ballard Claudio R | Analog-style instrumentation display with color-changing pointer |
US8976541B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2015-03-10 | Potens Ip Holdings Llc | Electrical power and data distribution apparatus |
EP2567853A3 (en) * | 2011-09-07 | 2014-07-02 | Magneti Marelli GmbH | Holder element for fixing an electric motor to an electronic circuit board, display device of a motor vehicle comprising an electrical display instrument with an electric motor fixed to an electronic circuit board by means of such a holder element and method for fixing an electric engine to an electronic circuit board by means of such a holder element |
US20220001746A1 (en) * | 2020-07-06 | 2022-01-06 | Yazaki Corporation | Instrument device for a vehicle |
CN113895225A (en) * | 2020-07-06 | 2022-01-07 | 矢崎总业株式会社 | Meter device for vehicle |
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US11752868B2 (en) * | 2020-07-06 | 2023-09-12 | Yazaki Corporation | Instrument device for a vehicle |
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JP2005037238A (en) | 2005-02-10 |
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